Are we there yet? Keeping the kids entertained in the Costa Blanca
Monday, 25th Jun 2012by Annie Granger, Staff writer
Alicante has a long history but most kids won’t care a hoot for that. They want to be entertained and the want it NOW! So after you’ve disciplined them for shouting and being rude, confiscated their Nintendo 3DS and banned them from ice cream for the rest of the holiday, maybe it’s time to plan an excursion, to show them you really do care. Alicante and the surrounding area has plenty to offer young kids from three up to early teens so we’ve put together a quick guide to set you on your way.
Castillo de Santa Barbara
What is it?
Castillo de Santa Barbara is a 9th Century Moorish castle and kids like castles, especially ones with cannons, a moat and dungeons (and a museum). Towering over the city of Alicante, the castle offers stunning views too and is great fun to explore, even on a hot day, as the pleasant sea breeze makes it a welcome change from the heat of the city.
Where is it?
It’s on top of the Monte Benacantil hill which can be reached via a lift. This can be found across the footbridge opposite Playa del Postiguet. With kids this is perhaps the best option although you can walk it if you are feeling fit. You could always walk back through Parque de la Ereta via Calle San Rafael to Plaza del Carmen.
Does it cost a fortune?
Opening times: 24th September to 20th March, daily, 9am-7pm. 21st March to 23rd September, 10am-8pm.
Entry fee: Road access: free. Lift access: general admission: €2.40
Frente Playa Postiguet (+34) 965162128
Aquopolis
What is it?
Aquopolis is a waterpark for all the family with excellent facilities including changing rooms, variety of pools and places to eat and there are plenty of lifeguards too, to help keep everyone safe. Pools and rides are graded for specific age groups to keep little ones out of the way of the big ones (and there are some great slides for brave mums and dads too).
Where is it?
If you are driving head for Cullera. In Cullera, find roundabout Sueca direction (RENFE Station). In this roundabout look for Aquopolis, it’s signposted.
There are 800 parking places at Aquopolis.
Bus: Take the Miguel Ribera´s buses until the RENFE Station: From here, take the bus until the Park.
Train: Valencia-Gandia and vice versa: From the station (it is placed 1 km from the park), Miguel Ribera´s buses pick you up to Aquopolis.
Does it cost a fortune?
It’s not cheap so you probably need to spend the best part of a day there to get value. Basic prices start at €21.50 for adults, €17.50 for a child (determined by height – 0.9 to 1.4m) and €17.50 for over 65s. There are a range of other price combinations (for meals etc) plus internet discounts so it is worth looking prices before you go. See the price guide here for more information - www.cullera.aquopolis.es/en/prices
Tabarca Island Excursion
Tabarca beach - photo by benidormone
What is it?
This tiny island has a number of coves, beaches and crystal clear water (and restaurants) but it’s the marine life that attracts most people as the waters around Tabarca have been declared a Mediterranean Marine Reserve. Boat trips from Alicante and Santa Pola are best, although it can also be reached from Benidorm, Torrevieja and Guardamar – kids will enjoy the boat trip. Try and get a glass bottom boat as the marine life is excellent.
Where is it?
It’s off the coast of Santa Pola so the glass bottom ferry from the Santa Pola port is quickest (about 30 mins).
Does it cost a fortune?
It depends where you get the boat from. The ferry from Santa Pola costs around €12 for adults and €9 for kids but check the web link above for more up to date times and prices as they can change even during a season.
Pola Park
What is it?
Pola Park is an amusement park for the whole family that includes a wide range of activities for all ages, including slides, rollercoasters, boats, mini cars, crazy golf, bouncy castles, a laser maze, soft play and so on.
Where is it?
The park is located on the outskirts of Santa Pola on the Avenida de Zaragoza. Santa Pola is just a short 30-minute drive from Alicante on the N-332.
Opening times: From March to June the park is only open Saturdays & Sundays from 5pm – 11pm from June 30th until September 9th it is open every day from 7.30pm – 2am and from September 15th – September 30th it is only open Saturday & Sunday Saturdays 6pm – 1am and Sundays 6pm – 12am.
Does it cost a fortune?
Entrance to the park is free but there is a charge for each ride, which of course varies considerably and is subject to change.
Terra Natura Benidorm
What is it?
Terra Natura theme park has over 700 metres of water slides but it is essentially an animal park divided according to continent. Each continent sector is home to the animals, people and vegetation native to it. You’ll even find typical dishes of the region in that sector’s restaurants. You can take a train ride around the park or for the more adventurous take a Tarzan like trip over the elephant enclosure on a zip wire. Located next to an enormous lake sized swimming pool, the water slides and the children’s play area, there is an area to relax and keep an eye on the kids.
Where is it?
Take public buses 21 or 22 from Benidorm right to the entrance of the park or by car, get on the CV70 out of town and you’ll see it well signposted.
Does it cost a fortune?
Buy tickets online in advance from www.freshticketing.com.
Best of the rest
There are of course plenty of other places to visit, so try these for size if the above don’t tickle your parental fancy…
Canelobre Caves - 25km from Alicante, they are the largest and deepest caves in Spain. One for older kids who may appreciate the magnificence stalactites and stalagmites.
Parque El Palmeral Alicante - walkways, water areas, play areas and a theatre that runs throughout the summer. Good for picnics by palm trees and waterfalls. Boat hire too.
Parque Aventura, Parcent, Alicante - an adventure park with all kinds of obstacle courses including zip wires, climbing, rope ladders and horse riding.
Aqualandia Benidorm – Europe’s largest water park with lots of slides, pools and other watery things.
Tags: aqua parks, costa blanca, history, kids, theme parks, zoo
Related holiday pages: Costa Blanca, Benidorm, Guardamar del Segura, Santa Pola, Torrevieja
About the author
Annie joined España Breaks in 2012 to source the best news and information from around Spain and manage the launch of "Hot Bits". She combines a love of Spain with a passion for writing, travel technology and a healthy addiction to social networking (she also runs our Twitter and Facebook pages)
Recommended holiday villas and apartments
 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Torrevieja, Costa Blanca from £160p/w |
 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Torrevieja, Costa Blanca from £395p/w |
 4 bedrooms, private pool Santa Pola, Costa Blanca from £700p/w |
 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Benidorm, Costa Blanca from £400p/w |
 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Benidorm, Costa Blanca from £325p/w |
 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Benidorm, Costa Blanca from £500p/w |
10,580 HOLIDAY RENTALS IN COSTA BLANCA FOUND ELSEWHERE
Related posts
-
Are we there yet? The Costa del Sol for kids
14th May 2012 by Richard Speigal -
Five things you simply must do in Salou!
9th Jul 2012 by Annie Granger -
Mallorca's top attractions for kids (and parents)
23rd Jul 2012 by El Ship -
Reasons to fall in love with Moraira
28th May 2012 by El Ship -
Torremolinos sheds poor image to become family destination
30th Apr 2012 by Annie Granger
